What is a widely accepted method for controlling pests without using harmful chemicals?

Integrated Pest Management (IPM) is a comprehensive approach to pest control that emphasizes the use of a variety of strategies and practices to manage pest populations in an environmentally friendly manner. This method focuses on understanding the pest lifecycle, their natural enemies, and the ecosystem they inhabit. By integrating biological, cultural, mechanical, and physical controls, as well as minimal use of chemical interventions, IPM aims to reduce the impact pests have on crops and landscapes while safeguarding human health and the environment.

The strength of IPM lies in its holistic approach to pest management. It allows for monitoring pest populations and assessing the need for control measures based on established thresholds, rather than applying chemicals indiscriminately. This method can include practices such as crop rotation, companion planting, the encouragement of beneficial insects, and habitat management. By prioritizing non-chemical methods, IPM minimizes the reliance on harmful pesticides and promotes sustainable landscaping practices.

In contrast, organic pesticide application is a valid method within IPM but does not encompass the full range of non-chemical strategies that IPM promotes. Frequent chemical spraying often leads to pesticide resistance and harm to non-target organisms, while plant relocation does not address underlying pest issues but may simply move them to a new area. Therefore, IPM